Though a 120-apartment complex being built on Spartan Drive across from Salmen High School looks deserted with empty windows and piles of building materials, developers have said the project will continue.

The complex, known as the Canterbury House Apartments, has not seen any activity for about a month. Residents in the area and some city officials have expressed concern over the status of the project, and if it will be finished.

The most concerned is Eric Giroir, director of Slidell Department of Building Safety and Permits. “It’s in a dormant state,” Giroir said. “I would love to see them get motivated and finish it.”

Giroir’s biggest concern is over exposure of the unfinished buildings and materials to the effects of weather.

“I would like to see them get the outside of the building weather tight,” Giroir said. “All the materials are uncovered to the weather.”

He said he is afraid the glue that holds the wood on the exterior might get wet and loosen, then fall to the ground.

He said last month he met with the contractors and the developers, Herman and Kittle Properties Inc., but was not told why the work had stopped on the project.

Herman and Kittle public relations associate Laurren Brown sent an e-mail Tuesday explaining the current status of the complex.

Brown said Herman and Kittle, an Indianapolis company, had decided to stop work when engineers discovered they needed to revise some design aspects, “based on field conditions.” According to Brown, the footings of the last building in the complex were not at the proper place. As a result, Herman and Kittle also decided to fire their sub-contractors.

Brown said new sub-contractors have been hired, and work has resumed on the project. The new contractors have already started pouring the cement footings for the last building, and framing was expected to begin Friday.

When completed, the complex will have 120 apartments with three different floor plans, exterior storage sites, swimming pool, a tanning salon, Internet access, a fitness center, a playground, a clubhouse and a basketball court.

Though Giroir is happy work will start up again, he will keep an eye on construction.

“They have to prove to me the buildings will be weather resistant,” Giroir said.